Yesterday was the opening of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. While we do
encourage you to go check out the movie, it is even more important to check
out the books, for those are the real masterpieces. The world of
Middle-Earth is vast, and to introduce you to our Meanderings, a column
delving deeper into the worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien, we bring you the latest
column, which covers the world of elves and their involvement with the world
of men. And please look online for even more Lord of the Rings excitement!

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MEANDERINGS: ELVES AND EGO
by Josh M. Shepherd
Originally Printed in The Oracle
http://www.oru.edu/oracle

J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' combines myth and morals in ways
that make us reconsider our notions about life and faith. Fourth in a
series, the following essay introduces events that took place in the First
Age, thousands of years before what happens in the 'Rings' trilogy.

The land around the beautiful figure darkened, a shadow she had never known.
Eldamar's only daylight, once given by the glow of the jewels, went black.
Hours later she knew why. Not long ago a certain being had forfeited his
position among the other angelic hosts, or Valar; now Morgoth, the first
rebel, had stolen the Elves' very joy. Galadriel, the white lady, had one
thought: the light must return.

Confused yet? Pardon my sketchy first paragraph and let the Middle-earth
history lesson begin. The female elf above and the 'Lady of the Wood' played
by Cate Blanchett in the movies are one and the same. Even fans of the movie
mistakenly call Galadriel an "elf witch," quoting a member of the Fellowship
of the Ring who later took back his words. Naturally, Christians who have
issues with the first 'Rings' movie point out these scenes as creepy and
certainly not edifying.

An elf, or at least a wise person, would want to know some of Galadriel's
back-story before making judgment.

Early in the First Age, a third of the Elves were taken from Middle-earth to
Eldamar (or "the West") where the powerful Valar taught them the ways of
Iluvatar (God). The shining jewels had been the work of an elf--a
charismatic artist who perhaps took too much pride in his work. While
Morgoth's lust had driven him to steal, this elf's actions were no better.

Filled with anger, the artisan gathered together his Elvish kinfolk. They
swore an Oath "vowing to pursue with vengeance and hatred" Morgoth and any
other who stood between them and the jewels ('The Silmarillion' 90).

Galadriel did not swear, yet nor did she heed her father's counsel to stay
in Western lands: the white lady joined the rebellion. "To rule a realm at
her own will" (Ibid.) was Galadriel's wish, and she would seek it in
Middle-earth. The Valar despaired of their "children" leaving safety. Such
is free will, making lovers enemies in a day's time.

The bite of cold waters--and sword blades--met the rebels as they set out,
for the ships they stole were guarded; and they barely avoided ice at one
point in the voyage. Upon landing, the Elves' leader arrogantly burned the
ships. Surely Galadriel could echo the words of Job 17:7, "My eye has also
grown dim because of sorrow, and all my members are like shadows."

In Middle-earth, the exiles found even the Elves to be different and
unchanged. This the rebels used to their advantage, accepting the new name
and exalted position of "Noldor," the Wise.

Soon they took up their cause with weapons. In round after round of pursuit
and falling back, the Noldor were led into a well-laid trap. Their tactics
were elegant, but without enough trickery. Morgoth tested their defenses for
a time, then unleashed forces unknown on the Elf-artist and his kinsmen. Of
war he knew much.
Generations later, a great procession headed for the sea. The remnant of
Noldor returned to Eldamar by the Straight Way--except Galadriel, and those
who fell in battle. Most accounts say she refused their pardon. Now that the
Valar had intervened and slain Morgoth, she and her husband Celeborn could
establish a place. How could they give up their high stature in Middle-earth
to return and be one of many?

Nothing significant came of this desire until the Rings were forged. An
unmatched friendship between Elves and Dwarves resulted in the union of
great skill and great strength. Underground they quarried, shaping rock into
a beautiful kingdom later known as the Mines of Moria.

One day a noble visitor came to the excavations. He convinced the Noldor
that they should attain to make the deepest halls in the most beautiful
styles, and even think up new works. From this manner of striving and
grasping came nineteen rings: three for the Elves, seven for the Dwarf-lords
and nine for the kings of Men, as 'The Fellowship of the Ring' film presents
in its opening narration (spoken by Galadriel).

"In the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, the Dark Lord Sauron
forged in secret a Master Ring to control all others." The mysterious,
apparently virtuous being who came to the mines was, in fact, Sauron.

Yet one twist remains. Sauron had never touched the three rings given to
Elves, though they had been forged by his knowledge. To the three who wore
them, a secret was revealed. "As soon as Sauron set the One Ring upon his
finger [the Elves] were aware of him--in anger and fear they took off their
rings" (The Silmarillion 345).
This wouldn't do, for Sauron would rather lose all Middle-earth than
withdraw his hand from the Wise. He warred against them to recover "his"
rings. Thus three ring-bearers were appointed in secret. Galadriel received
the Ring of Water.

The white lady's realm of Lothlórien, a haven for Elves both high and
earthly, flourished for millennia under the influence of this ring--for its
power was redemptive, if she never wore it. Rather than domination, her
attitude towards her ring and her realm became one of stewardship.

The story goes on, without a true resolve until 'The Return of the King.'
Still, we can examine Galadriel's words from the first film with new
understanding: "I passed the test. I will diminish, and go into the West,
and remain Galadriel." Incidentally, the Lothlórien scenes in 'The
Fellowship of the Ring' have been drastically changed in the 'Extended
Edition' DVD, which released Nov. 12--a version that is much more true to
Tolkien and worth checking out.

This tale also illuminates a much higher Word. "For we have become partakers
of Christ," reads Hebrews 4:14-15. "If we hold the beginning of our
confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said: 'Today, if you will hear
His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'"

To be sure, this vast story is no direct allegory. Yet a redeemed
imagination, a thing possessed by J.R.R. Tolkien, can teach many lessons
without preaching. Of love he knew much.

Fine more about Lord of the Rings at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/movies/lordoftherings


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